Chair’s opening remarks

Invites to: Office of the National Data Commissioner and Governance Institute of Australia

CDOs will increasingly shape data-driven decision-making, balancing privacy and ethical considerations with the need for actionable insights. As data becomes more critical for public service delivery, CDOs will lead initiatives that leverage AI and big data analytics to improve efficiency, predict outcomes, and personalize services for citizens.

Three questions for the panellists:

1. How will CDOs collaborate more with policymakers to ensure data informs regulation, public safety, and socio-economic decisions?
2. How can we strengthen data protection and how will ethical AI use become central, as government systems handle larger and more sensitive datasets?
3. How can CDOs drive efforts to make government data more accessible and transparent, fostering public trust and enabling citizen-driven insights?

CONFIRMED PANELLISTS:

DR SUSIE KLUTH
Chief Data Officer, Data Analytics Branch, Department of Education, Skills, and Employment

IMMA CHIPPENDALE
Former Executive Director, Data & Performance and Chief Data Officer, Department of Regional NSW

10.30AM MORNING TEA

Questions:

1) What steps can we take to foster a cross-departmental understanding of the complexities of data accountability?
2) Tech Integration: Are systems interoperable across agencies? If not, what challenges do incompatible technologies create for data accountability?
3) How can we move the dial towards a cohesive, integrated approach to data accountability?

CHAIR:
OLGA LYSENKO
Director Enterprise Data Strategy & Governance, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

CONFIRMED PANELLISTS:

TARA SEARLE
Chief information Officer, Australian National Audit Office

CATHRYN NICHOLLS
Organisational Change Consultant, Independent

• Balancing data risks with meaningful outcomes
• Dealing with constant change and high demand data & Ai environment
• Scalable patterns to meet evolving environments

NITHIN BALAKRISHNAN
Director, Data Capability, ACT Health

13.00PM NETWORKING LUNCH

1. AI for Transformation
How can organizations unlock the full potential of Generative AI to transform service delivery and internal operations, while overcoming the significant challenges of data governance?

2. Responsible AI: Compliance, Ethical Standards, Transparency and Accountability
What steps are necessary to ensure Generative AI models adhere to data privacy laws and ethical standards, turning responsible AI usage into a driver of trust and innovation? What frameworks are needed to minimize bias in AI outputs, and how can AI be leveraged to promote fairer outcomes across service delivery and organizational processes?

3. Cultural and Organizational Adoption
How can leaders champion the adoption of Generative AI, balancing its vast potential for transforming operations with the need for strong governance and widespread organizational buy-in?

4. Live Demonstrations: See examples of how AI can transform organisations using the latest technology

ALEX JENKINS
Director, WA Data Science Innovation Hub; Chair & Founder, Curtin AI in Research Group 

• Insight into supporting data governance processes to improve efficiency
• Assessing the effectiveness of a standardized approach to peoples use of IT and data
• The importance of leadership in understanding the strategic direction for the future
• Assurance: Why it matters and how you can influence change?

XIAOYAN LU
Executive Director, System Assurance and Data Analytics Group, Australian National Audit Office

15.40PM AFTERNOON TEA

• Data Governance Frameworks: Implementing strong governance policies and processes to ensure high data quality and integrity, aligned with compliance and operational standards.
• Data Maturity Models: Using maturity models to assess the current state of data capabilities and creating structured plans to evolve data quality and reliability.
• Regulatory and Operational Alignment: Ensuring data quality supports both regulatory reporting and operational efficiency, minimizing risks, and improving decision-making.

BRUCE INNES
Head of Data Governance, Protection & Privacy, Transgrid

Five questions for the panellists:

1. What are the most significant barriers to advancing data maturity in organizations today, and how can they be overcome?
2. How do you align your organization’s data strategy with its broader business goals to ensure long-term success?
3. What role does leadership play in fostering a data-driven culture, and how can executives be encouraged to prioritize data initiatives?
4. How can organizations effectively measure data maturity, and what steps can they take to progress from basic to advanced stages?
5. What are the emerging trends and technologies that will shape the future of data maturity and how should organizations prepare for them?

CONFIRMED PANELLISTS:

THERESA ANDERSON
Data Integration and Data Science for Urban Life and Smart Cities Task Force, Committee on Data for Science and Technology

ANDREW SMAILES
Executive Director, Raedan Exchange

INVITED PANELLISTS:

EDWIN MATHAI
Senior Manager, Data and Integration, WorkSafe Victoria

PHILLIP WISE
Director, Data Improvement and Analysis, Safe Work Australia

Chair’s closing remarks followed by networking drinks

1 HOUR NETWORKING DRINKS

This session will explore how data literacy has become a critical skill across all organisational levels, enabling employees to interpret, analyse, and apply data insights in their roles. Attendees will learn why fostering a data-literate workforce is essential for making informed decisions, driving innovation, and staying competitive in a data-driven world. The session will highlight strategies to build data literacy programs, overcome resistance, and empower employees to confidently use data in day-to-day operations, regardless of their technical background.

• Best practices for designing learning initiatives that enhance data skills across all levels, from executives to operational teams
• Strategies to overcome resistance and ensure employees without technical expertise feel confident using data in decision-making
• How a data-literate workforce can improve business outcomes, boost innovation, and increase operational efficiency

MICHAELA SHEA
Head of Data Strategy and Engagement, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank

12.40PM NETWORKING LUNCH